Venkata Chavali, PhD

Dr. Chavali is a Research Associate at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine in the Department of Ophthalmology. He has a strong background in molecular Ophthalmology and Genetics, with specific training and expertise to carry out studies on retinal and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Since his post-doctoral training in the University of Michigan and University of California San Diego, his research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of hereditary retinal conditions by studying patients, animal models like mice, pig, and zebra fish with inherent or induced retinal conditions and by using cell based assays in vitro. His research is involved in transcriptome analysis between normal and AMD eyes to assess the differentially expressing protein coding genes and non-coding RNAs that associate with AMD. His studies will generate new tools and reveal novel pathways which can be targeted for the diagnosis of AMD. In addition to the BrightFocus award, Dr. Chavali is the recipient of the prestigious 2012 Genentech AMD Fellowship award.